The largest murder-suicide in American history occurred in November 1978 when more than 900 people died after swallowing a cyanide-laced drink. Jim Jones, charismatic leader of the Peoples Temple, led this horrific act. Guinn examines Jones’ life from his childhood in Lynn, Indiana, through those tragic events in Guyana, South America. Jones was an Indianapolis minister and started his church, Community Unity, in a poor neighborhood, later changing it to the Peoples Church. He eventually moved his family and some of his followers to Ukiah, California, expanding to Los Angeles and San Francisco before ending up in South America. Guinn walks readers methodically through time discussing Jones’ supposed healings, weekend sermons and lifestyle. Jones wielded considerable political influence in addition to the complete control of his congregation and ministry of his church. This narrative weaves a fascinating tale of power and deception.

"Mad City: The True Story of the Campus Murders That America Forgot" by Michael Arntfield

On May 26, 1968, Christine Rothschild’s mutilated body was found outside Sterling Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. This hall would two years later become famous in the UW-Madison bombings, but it first received notoriety with this horrific act. Rothschild’s best friend, Linda Tomaszewski, spent more than 40 years searching for her friend’s killer, and her intrepid research and investigation are detailed in this latest true crime thriller. Arntfield documents Tomaszewski’s quest to find justice with a tender hand, and while still officially unsolved, the record is set straight here, with the serial murderer exposed for who he is. The strength of this title lies in Tomaszewski’s tracking of the killer and the descriptions of the lives his victims led.

Tom Monfils died at his job at the James River Paper Mill in Green Bay in 1992. Was he murdered by six of his co-workers or did he commit suicide? At the resulting trial, those six men were convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and sentenced to life in prison, but Treppa argues they were wrongfully convicted. In subsequent years, two of the men have been released, but the other four are still serving their sentences while they petition the court for release. This self-published title follows Treppa, a social justice advocate, from when she heard about this story and details her attempts and efforts to get these men exonerated. She works closely with the authors of “The Monfils Conspiracy” and, although that title would add background to this book, it’s not necessary to read it first. Treppa’s enthusiasm and passion is evident, and readers not familiar with this case will become captivated.

For more information about Wisconsin and Midwest authors, books and other related resources, visit the Brown County Library or call 920-448-4400.

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